Price of 12 kg LPG Rises, Affluent Residents Start Eyeing 3 kg Cylinders

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The price increase of non-subsidised Bright Gas 12 kilogram cylinders is starting to make some residents in South Jakarta consider alternative options. Although still able to afford it, the sharp price hike is deemed too high and is beginning to squeeze household expenditures. Based on Kompas.com’s checks at several agents in the South Jakarta area on Sunday (19/4/2026), the price of Bright Gas 12 kg is now in the range of Rp 228,000 to Rp 229,500 per cylinder. This price has risen from the previous Rp 192,000 per cylinder, meaning an increase of up to Rp 36,000. Amid this rise, some residents are starting to consider switching to subsidised 3 kg cylinders, even though they are aware that LPG is intended for the less fortunate. One of them, Fia (34), a South Jakarta resident, admitted to being surprised by the price surge of Bright Gas 12 kg compared to the previous month. “I can still afford it, but if it rises by this much, I might as well buy the 3 kg one,” said Fia when met at one of the agents in Cilandak on Sunday (19/4/2026). Fia said the price increase directly affects kitchen expenditures. “If it rises by more than Rp 30,000, that’s quite significant. It could be used for other needs,” she said. So far, Fia has chosen Bright Gas because it is considered safer and more practical for monthly needs. However, if prices continue to rise, she does not rule out switching to 3 kg cylinders, although she feels uncomfortable because it is a subsidised item. Yadhi (41), a Pasar Minggu resident, expressed something similar. He said the price increase is making him rethink continuing to use non-subsidised LPG.